Chairperson: Dr. Kathryn H. Shows (Interim)
Location: Owens Hall, Room 102A
Contact Information: (804) 524-5025 | kshows@vsu.edu

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Department Overview
 

The Department of Biology at Virginia State University offers a comprehensive program leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology degree. This program is designed to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical application skills necessary for future careers in education, research, industry, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, podiatry, optometry, physical therapy, and veterinary science. Courses are taught by experienced faculty with diverse academic backgrounds and research expertise. The department prioritizes mentoring, both faculty-to-student and peer-to-peer, and actively supports student clubs and organizations such as the Minority Association of Pre-professional Students (MAPS), Biology Club, Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society (Tri-Beta), and VSU Beta Kappa Chi.

Students may also pursue advanced study through the Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology or the accelerated 3+1 Bachelor to Master of Science program. (For details, refer to the Graduate Academic Catalog.)

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Mission Statement
 

The mission of the Department of Biology is to educate students to be knowledgeable about the organization and function of biological systems, to be proficient in the best practices of science, and to be aware of the prominent role of science in discussions of the environment and society. The department provides opportunities and guidance to help students consistently achieve excellence, with the goal of preparing them to become future leaders in their fields.

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Degree Highlight Information
 

Biology: The Study of Life

Biology is a broad and evolving discipline encompassing numerous subspecialties, including microbiology, genetics, ecology, plant and animal biology, and conservation biology. The Bachelor of Science in Biology provides a strong generalist foundation, preparing students for internship opportunities, graduate study, and careers in diverse biological fields. Through coursework and laboratory experiences, students develop skills in scientific investigation across lab, field, and computational settings.

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Department Goals
 

Educating Future Researchers

The goals of the Department of Biology Bachelor of Science program are to prepare graduates to:

• Apply core principles, concepts, and theories of biological science to conduct independent research and present findings in written and oral formats.
• Utilize technology to conduct and communicate scientific research.
• Apply critical thinking skills to examine biological principles and evaluate scientific data using contemporary best practices.
• Evaluate the role of biological science in global environmental and societal contexts, becoming engaged citizen-scientists.

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Program Listings
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Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology

The Bachelor of Science in Biology degree provides students with a strong foundation in core biological concepts and laboratory techniques. Students engage in both theoretical and applied science through a robust curriculum that includes cellular biology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, ecology, microbiology, and specialized electives. Emphasis is placed on scientific communication, research methodology, and real-world applications through coursework and independent research opportunities.

Course Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Biology: Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all major courses.

Major(s)

• Biology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

• Biology, Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Secondary Education (B.S.)

Minor

• Minor in Biology

BIOL 201 CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                                                                                                                                    
A laboratory course required to be taken in conjunction with BIOL 201 Cell and Molecular Biology. This course will give students a laboratory experience to complement their lecture material. The laboratory will expose students to the eukaryotic cell structure and function, and molecular biology techniques.
Co-requisite: BIOL 201 Cell and Molecular Biology lecture

 BIOL202 TERMINOLOGY FOR THE HEALTH SCIENCES - 3 semester hours                            
 This course will introduce the learners to common terms essential for professionals working in a health career. The course is an introductory course to the world of terminology with an emphasis on health terms. This course will provide an overview of terminology with an emphasis on prefixes, suffixes, and rootwords. The course will highlight major anatomy and physiology of the human body. The course will identify major diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions. Finally the course will provide an introduction to pharmacological terms and major drug classifications.  This is an elective course open to all currently enrolled students. This course may not serve as a Biology restricted elective for Biology majors.

BIOL 205 INTEGRATIVE ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY - 3 semester hours                                                                                                                                 
An integrative course examining how organisms cope with environmental challenges by investigating the requirements for life at the level of individual cells and multi-cellular organisms, the anatomical and physiological properties of cells, tissues and organ systems, and how these properties allow organisms to interact successfully with their environment. Emphasis will be placed on the study of eukaryotic groups particularly plants and animals.
Prerequisite: BIOL121 Principles of Biology II.
Co-requisite:  BIOL205 Integrative Organismal Biology laboratory

BIOL 205 INTEGRATIVE ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour     
A laboratory examining living organisms at various organizational levels.
Co-requisite: BIOL 205 Integrative Organismal Biology Lecture

BIOL 241 INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY - 3 semester hours                               
The study of fundamental principles of microbiology. Emphasis will be placed on medical, environmental, agricultural, and industrial microbiology. Concurrent enrollment in the laboratory is required.
Prerequisite: BIOL 120 Principles of Biology I or consent of instructor.
Co-requisite:  BIOL 241 Introduction to Microbiology laboratory

BIOL 241 INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour   
A laboratory course to be taken in conjunction with BIOL 241 Introduction to Microbiology lecture course. The laboratory will consist of selected exercises that illustrate and clarify basic concepts in microbiology. Attention to basic microbiological laboratory techniques will be stressed.
Co-requisite: BIOL 241 Introduction to Microbiology lecture

BIOL 310 PLANT MORPHOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT - 3 semester hours                                                                                                                                 
A study of the development, function and evolution of plant structures, including life histories and specific adaptations to native habitats. Concurrent enrollment in the laboratory is required.
Prerequisite: BIOL 121 Principles of Biology II or PLSC 140 Principles of Plant Science or consent of instructor.
Co-requisite: BIOL 310 Plant Morphology laboratory

BIOL 310 PLANT MORPHOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT LABORATORY - 1 semester hour         
A laboratory course required to be taken in conjunction with BIOL 310 Plant Morphology laboratory course. This laboratory experience will contribute to an understanding of the function of various morphological characteristics across plant groups.
Co-requisite: BIOL 310 Plant Morphology lecture

BIOL 311 COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE ANATOMY - 3 semester hours               
A course detailing the comparative morphology of vertebrate systems at both the gross and microscopic levels of organization. The application of comparative anatomy to the study of the development and ancestry of the classes of vertebrates is included. Concurrent enrollment in the laboratory is required.
Prerequisite: BIOL 205 Integrative Organismal Biology.  Co-requisite: 
BIOL 311 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy laboratory

BIOL 311 COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE ANATOMY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                                          
Dissection of vertebrate types found in the five basic classes of vertebrates in comparative purposes.
Co-requisite: BIOL 311 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy lecture

BIOL 313 GENERAL ZOOLOGY - 3 semester hours                                                     
An upper division course designed to provide the student with an in-depth examination of the structures, functions, adaptations, and evolutionary relationships among animal phyla. The evolutionary development of major systems and characteristics of the major groups will also be covered. Attention is given to the evolutionary and ecological interaction of animals and their environment. Concurrent enrollment in the laboratory is required.
Prerequisite: BIOL 205 Integrative Organismal Biology.
Co-requisite: BIOL 313 General Zoology laboratory

BIOL 313 GENERAL ZOOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                       
A laboratory course required to be taken in conjunction with BIOL 313 General Zoology lecture course. The students will examine representative organisms, structures and organ systems to illustrate the evolutionary development of the animal kingdom.
Co-requisite: BIOL 313 General Zoology lecture

BIOL 316 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY - 3 semester hours                  
A non-laboratory introductory study of the human system at work and the ways and means by which various functions are integrated into a living unit.
Prerequisite: BIOL 120 Principles of Biology I or consent of instructor

BIOL 318 HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY I - 3 semester hours                                  

An introduction to the structure and function of the human body through lecture and laboratory experience. Emphasis is placed on understanding the relationships between structure and function at each level of organization, from molecules to organs to organ systems.
Prerequisites: BIOL 120 Principles of Biology I or consent of instructor

BIOL 318 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I LABORATORY - 1 semester hour        
A laboratory to accompany BIOL 318 lecture.
Co-requisite: BIOL 318 Human Anatomy and Physiology I

BIOL 319 HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY II - 3 semester hours                              
The second half of a two-semester course (with lab) describing the structure and function of the human body through lecture and laboratory experience.
Prerequisite: BIOL318 Human Anatomy and Physiology I

BIOL 319 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II LABORATORY - 1 semester hour    
A laboratory to accompany BIOL 319 lecture.
Co-requisite: BIOL 319 Human Anatomy and Physiology II

BIOL 320 PRINCIPLES OF GENETICS - 3 semester hours                                                                                                                              
An extensive study of the general fundamental principles of genetics, including special emphasis on the application of recombinant DNA technology in the study of DNA, RNA, and the mechanisms of gene expression. Laboratory will involve modern techniques of genetic experimentation.
Prerequisites: BIOL 241 Introduction to Microbiology, CHEM 151 General Chemistry I, CHEM 153
General Chemistry Laboratory, or consent of instructor

BIOL 320 PRINCIPLES OF GENETICS LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                       
The laboratory experience will confirm and expand on what is covered in the lecture and textbook. It will also provide the opportunity to function as a geneticist.
Co-requisite: BIOL 320 Principles of Genetics

BIOL 324 ECOLOGY - 3 semester hours                                                                               
This course will cover the basic principles of ecology. Ecology is a diverse subject in terms of topics and will be related to other disciplines of science. This course will provide the opportunities to understand   the relationships among various areas of ecological sciences. The course will deal with the fundamental factual knowledge of natural ecosystems, distribution, abundance of organisms, and vegetation types, and the factors that influence the presence of flora and fauna at various locations. Emphasis is to be given on the understanding of the process of science that will augment the discovery and sharpen the abilities, skills, and knowledge through the study of ecology. Concurrent enrollment in the laboratory is required.
Prerequisites: BIOL 205 Integrative Organismal Biology.                                                                                                                                                                                        Co-requisite: BIOL 324 Ecology laboratory

BIOL 324 ECOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                                                   
A field study of the relationships of organisms to their environment.
Co-requisite: BIOL 324 Ecology

BIOL 352 INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICAL BIOLOGY - 3 semester hours Sp even years This course is designed to develop mathematical models in biology and study the behavior of such models using numerical techniques and review the mathematical concepts behind many important biological principles. Topics will be drawn from conservation biology, genetics, and physiology. Mathematics and computational methods to be reviewed include functions in biology, difference and continuous models, exponential and logarithmic functions, probability, numerical matrix algebra and curve fitting software. Students can receive credit for either MATH 352 OR BIOL 352 but not for both.
Prerequisite: BIOL 121 Principles of Biology II, MATH 121 College Algebra and Trigonometry II, STAT 210 Elementary Statistics, or consent of instructor

BIOL 402 STUDENT TEACHING IN BIOLOGY - 3 semester hours                              
This course is designed to provide supervision in the content area for pre-service secondary biology candidates. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Co-requisite: EDUC 402 Student Teaching

BIOL 405 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR - 3 semester hours                                                                 
A course in the study of animal behavior in the field. Topics include: natural selection and evolution of behavior, behavioral genetics, neural and physiological mechanisms of behavior, communication, aggression, sexual reproduction, and mating systems. The course is an upper-level biology restrictive elective appropriate for junior and senior biology majors and others interested in zoology, animal science, entomology and experimental psychology. Concurrent enrollment in the laboratory is required.
Prerequisites: BIOL 205 Integrative Organismal Biology.
Co-requisite: BIOL 405 Animal Behavior laboratory

BIOL 405 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR LABORATORY - 1 semester hours                                                                                                                                 
The study of animal behavior in the field - to be taken as a co-requisite with BIOL 405 Animal Behavior lecture course. This course will emphasize methodology for collecting and analyzing animal behavior data. We will cover collection, statistical analysis, interpretation and written and oral presentation of behavioral data.                                                   Co-requisite: BIOL 405 Animal Behavior lecture

BIOL 410 SYSTEMATIC BOTANY - 3 semester hours              
A laboratory field and lecture course devoted to classifying seed plants, ferns, and mosses found in Virginia. Numerous field trips. Concurrent enrollment in the laboratory is required.
Prerequisites: BIOL 205 Integrative Organismal Biology.
Co-requisite: BIOL 410 Systematic Botany laboratory

BIOL410 SYSTEMATIC BOTANY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                       
A laboratory field course devoted to classifying seed plants, ferns and mosses found in Virginia.
Co-requisite: BIOL 410 Systematic Botany lecture

BIOL 412 INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY - 3 semester hours                                          
A comprehensive consideration of the biology of the invertebrates inclusive of the more important parasites particular to man. A balanced presentation of taxonomical, morphological, physiological and ecological treatment of the invertebrates is presented. Concurrent enrollment in the laboratory is required.
Prerequisites: BIOL 205 Integrative Organismal Biology.
Co-requisite:  BIOL 412 Invertebrate Zoology laboratory

BIOL 412 INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour             
A systematic and morphological study of the invertebrates.
Co-requisite: BIOL 412 Invertebrate Zoology lecture

BIOL 413 VERTEBRATE BIOLOGY - 3 semester hours                                                 
A study of various vertebrate groups emphasizing their origin, comparative morphology, taxonomy, life histories, habitats, distribution and economic importance. Concurrent enrollment in the laboratory is required.
Prerequisites: BIOL 205 Integrative Organismal Biology
Co-requisite:   BIOL 413 Vertebrate Biology laboratory

BIOL 413 VERTEBRATE BIOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour            
A systematic and morphological study of the vertebrates.
Co-requisite: BIOL 413 Vertebrate Biology lecture

BIOL 414 TECHNIQUES OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - 3 semester hours                         
A course designed to acquaint students with the latest techniques in molecular biology. Concurrent enrollment in the laboratory is required.
Prerequisites: BIOL 320 Principles of Genetics or consent of instructor.
Co-requisite:  BIOL 414 Techniques of Molecular Biology laboratory

BIOL 414 TECHNIQUES OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour   
A laboratory course to accompany and allow hands-on application of techniques discussed in BIOL 414 lecture.
Co-requisite: BIOL 414 Techniques of Molecular Biology lecture

BIOL 415 VERTEBRATE HISTOLOGY - 3 semester hours                                                   
An intensive study of the cell and the cellular organization of the various tissues of the body, with an introduction to microslide preparation.
Prerequisites: BIOL 201 Cell and Molecular Biology or consent of Instructor

BIOL 415 VERTEBRATE HISTOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                       
A study of the identifying characteristics of animal tissues.
Co-requisite: BIOL 415 Vertebrate Histology lecture

BIOL 416 QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY - 3 semester hours
In practice, the course will illustrate in a clear and useful way, the application and adaptation of general quantitative methods in the approach to specific biological problems and in the treatment of biological data. Concurrent enrollment in the laboratory is required.
Prerequisites: BIOL 205 Integrative Organismal Biology and BIOL 320 Principles of Genetics.
Co-requisite:    BIOL 416 Quantitative Biology laboratory

BIOL 416 QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                            
A laboratory course required to be taken in conjunction with BIOL 416 Quantitative Biology lecture course.
This course will involve exercises related to selected lecture topics.
Co-requisite: BIOL 416 Quantitative Biology lecture

BIOL 417 GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY - 3 semester hours                                                         
A study of the integration of body function in higher animals with emphasis on the irritable tissues, nerves and muscles. Attention is given to nerve excitability impulse conduction, information processing, chemical transmission, receptor mechanisms and muscle bio-chemistry. Muscle irritability and contractibility are also considered, as well as humoral integration, nutrition, respiration and circulation.
Prerequisites: BIOL 201 Cell and Molecular Biology, BIOL 205 Integrative Organismal Biology, BIOL 320 Principles of Genetics, CHEM 305 Organic Chemistry I

BIOL 417 GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                               
A demonstration of the various body functions.
Co-requisite: BIOL 417 General Physiology lecture

BIOL 418 PLANT PHYSIOLOGY - 3 semester hours                                                   
A course involving studies of the internal and external factors affecting water relations, mineral nutrition, respiration, photosynthesis, growth and differentiation of plants, with an emphasis on plant metabolism. Concurrent enrollment in the laboratory is required.
Prerequisite: BIOL 205 Integrative Organismal Biology.
Co-requisite:  BIOL 418 Plant Physiology laboratory

BIOL 418 PLANT PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                            
A laboratory to accompany plant physiology lecture, with an emphasis on plant metabolism.
Co-requisite: BIOL 418 Plant Physiology lecture

BIOL 419 CELL PHYSIOLOGY - 3 semester hours          
Designed to give the student a deeper understanding of cellular structure and function, this course emphasizes the application of basic principles of biology, chemistry, and physics to the evaluation and extension of the current state of knowledge of the cell.
Prerequisites: BIOL 201 Cell and Molecular Biology; BIOL 220 Principles of Genetics

BIOL 419 CELL PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                                      
The study of the structure and function of cellular organelles.
Co-requisites: BIOL 419 Cell Physiology lecture

BIOL422 EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY - 3 semester hours                                             
Introduces students to the modern synthetic theory of evolution, beginning with Charles Darwin’s seminal work (Origin of Species) and finishing with contemporary issues as laid out in the primary scientific literature. This course will cover theoretical and empirical studies of evolutionary processes, with emphasison the latter. Concurrent enrollment in the laboratory is required.
Prerequisites: BIOL 205 Integrative Organismal Biology,
                         BIOL 320 Principles of Genetics, BIOL 324 Ecology
Co-requisite:   BIOL 422 Evolutionary Biology laboratory

BIOL 422 EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                        
A demonstration of evolutionary processes.
Prerequisites: BIOL 201 Cell and Molecular Biology, BIOL 320 Principles of Genetics
Co-requisite:  BIOL 422 Evolutionary Biology lecture

BIOL 423 CONSERVATION BIOLOGY - 3 semester hours                      
This course introduces the principles of conservation biology with an emphasis on ecological processes operating at population, community and ecosystem levels of organization. Threats to biological diversity, ranging from species introduction to habitat destruction and conservation solutions such as the design of protected areas and conservation legislation will be covered.
Prerequisites: BIOL 205 Integrative Organismal Biology and BIOL 324 Ecology

BIOL 425 EMBRYOLOGY - 3 semester hours      
 A study of the fundamental developmental stages of echinoids, fish and selected vertebrates with some consideration being given to mammals. The developmental processes of these organisms will be described and analyzed through early stages.
Prerequisites: BIOL 205 Integrative Organismal Biology and BIOL 320 Principles of Genetics

BIOL 425 EMBRYOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                                                  
A descriptive study of the early developmental sequences of the vertebrate animals.
Co-requisite: BIOL 425 Embryology lecture

BIOL 427 SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS - 3 semester hours
Designed to foster the development and understanding of principles and major concepts and processes of science as they relate to the elementary and or middle grades. The course will emphasize content and develop competency in the application and performance of specific basic and integrated skills in science.
Prerequisite: Restricted to pre-service K-6 candidates.
Co-requisite: BIOL 427 Science Process Skills laboratory

BIOL 427 SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                      
Practical experiences in conducting elementary science investigations.
Co-requisite: BIOL 427 Science Process Skills lecture

BIOL 428 TEACHING SCIENCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS - 3 semester hours
The course is designed to foster the development and understanding of principles and major concepts of science as they relate to middle and secondary school teaching. It also incorporates current theories and practices in science teaching. Emphasis will be placed on teaching the concepts of science as inquiry, developing research skills, and applying research findings to the teaching and learning of science. Safety in the classroom and legal issues will be discussed. Students will discuss and analyze various classroom management techniques. Students will develop lesson and unit plans incorporating technological approaches to meet the diverse needs of learners, as well as, gifted and talented students. Students will be knowledgeable of Virginia's SOLs and design instruction reflective of the SOLs. Also, students will participate in a series of organized practicum experiences in a public school secondary science classroom.
Prerequisite: Restricted to secondary education candidates.

BIOL 440 VIROLOGY - 3 semester hours                                                  
A study of the basic characteristics of plant, animal and bacterial viruses. The composition, morphology,
multiplication, cultivation, and the control of viruses are included.
Prerequisite: BIOL 201 Cell and Molecular Biology, BIOL 241 Introduction to Microbiology

BIOL 440 VIROLOGY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                                          
Multiplication, cultivation, and control of viruses are demonstrated.
Co-requisite: BIOL 440 Virology lecture

BIOL 443 IMMUNOLOGY AND SEROLOGY - 3 semester hours                    
The study of host-parasite relationships with emphasis on the response of vertebrates to antigens and the nature of the immune response. Among the topics included are antigens and antibody speciicities, hypersensitivity, immunological tolerance, autoimmunization, tumor and transplant immunology, and monoclonal antibodies.
Prerequisite: BIOL 201 Cell and Molecular Biology, BIOL 241 Introduction to Microbiology

BIOL 443 IMMUNOLOGY AND SEROLOGY LABORATORY - 1 semester hours
Experiments conducted that illustrate both innate and acquired immunity. Included are the preparation of various vaccines, the immunization of laboratory animals, the demonstration of hypersensitivity, the performance of serological tests of diagnostic and medico-legal importance, the performance of immunochemical methods of antigenic analysis.
Co-requisite: BIOL 443 Immunology and Serology lecture

BIOL 445 PATHOGENIC AND DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY - 3 semester hours
The study of the morphological and cultural characteristics and the pathogenic properties of micro-organisms. Emphasis is placed on the biological properties, isolation, identification and the control of pathogenic bacteria.
Prerequisite: BIOL 201 Cell and Molecular Biology and BIOL 241 Introduction to Microbiology

BIOL 445 PATHOGENIC AND DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY -1 semester hour                                                                                                              
The identification, isolation and control of pathogenic bacteria.
Co-requisite: BIOL 445 Pathogenic and Diagnostic Microbiology lecture

BIOL 446 INVESTIGATIONS AND RESEARCH – 3 semester hours                                 
Independent research course designed for the application of biological and chemical techniques under the guidance of a member of the biology faculty.
Prerequisites: BIOL 320 Principles of Genetics, BIOL 324 Ecology, CHEM 305 & 307 Organic Chemistry, or consent of instructor

BIOL 447 SEMINAR IN BIOLOGY - 1 semester hours                                                        
A survey of current biological literature; the student prepares and presents reports on assigned projects.
Prerequisite: BIOL 446 Investigations and Research

BIOL 450 INTRODUCTION TO BIOINFORMATICS - 3 semester hours                             
The study of how computers are used for processing, storing and analyzing biological data. Special emphasis is placed on current problems in genomics research and the common bioinformatics tools and resources used to resolve them.
Prerequisites: BIOL 320 Genetics or consent of instructor

BIOL 489 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN BIOLOGY - 1 to 4 semester hours                      
An independent investigation in the biological sciences conducted under the direction of a faculty member. This course is arranged on an individual basis and must be approved before the semester it is to be taken.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

BIOL 490 TOPICS IN BIOLOGY - 3 to 4 semester hours                                                         
An in-depth exploration of recent developments in a field of biology based on faculty interest and expertise. Courses that include a laboratory experience will be 4 semester hours.
Prerequisite: BIOL 320 Principles of Genetics and BIOL 324 Ecology or permission of instructor.